ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Academic session begins in 9 new Sainik Schools approved by Ministry of Defence 
MoD approves setting up of additional 7 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode
Under the initiative of Government for setting up of 100 new schools in partnership mode, Memorandum of Agreement  has been signed by Sainik Schools Society with 12 such schools in the first round. After completion of admission of students for Sainik Schools pattern in 10 such schools, academic session in 9 schools has started from August 01, 2022. Classes will start in one school in Karnataka from September 06, 2022. Remaining 2 schools being greenfield schools are expected to start their operations from next academic session.
In another milestone achievement, the Sainik Schools Society provisionally approved 7 additional schools in 2nd round of the initiative. Admission process in Sainik Schools pattern in these 7 provisionally approved schools is about to begin and the academic session is likely to start by the end of August 2022.
Admission in these newly approved Sainik schools will also take place in the same manner as done for schools approved in first round. At least 40% of seats in the newly approved Sainik schools are to be filled through e-counseling of All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam  qualified candidates and upto 60% through a test to be conducted by National Testing Agency  for students already studying in these schools, for which a test namely New Sainik School Entrance Examination 2022  will be conducted by NTA in mid of August.
Students are advised to visit the web portal https://sainikschool.ncog.gov.in/ for updates regarding admission process in these newly approved Sainik Schools.
List of newly approved Sainik Schools in 2nd round
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Sl. No.
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STATE
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DISTT.
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NAME OF SCHOOL
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1
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ANDHRA PRADESH
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SPS NELLORE
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ADANI COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION
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2
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BIHAR
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PATNA
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KESHAV SARASWATI VIDYA MANDIR
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3
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GUJARAT
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MEHSANA
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DUDHSAGAR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
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4
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HARYANA
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ROHTAK
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SHRI BABA MASTH NATH AYURVEDIC AND SANSKRIT SHIKSHAN SANSTHAN
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5
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KARNATAKA
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MYSURU
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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA YOUTH MOVEMENT
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6
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KERALA
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KOZHIKODE
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VEDVYASA VIDYALAYAM SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
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7
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MAHARASHTRA
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SANGLI
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S K INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address Natural Farming Conclave on 10th July
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address a Natural Farming Conclave on 10th July, 2022 at 11:30 AM via video conferencing.
As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister in his address at Gujarat Panchayat Mahasammelan in March, 2022 had exhorted at least 75 farmers in each village to adopt Natural way of farming. Guided by this vision of Prime Minister, Surat District undertook a concerted and coordinated effort to sensitise and motivate different stakeholders and institutions like farmer groups, elected representatives, talathis, Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees , Cooperatives, Banks etc, in the district to help farmers in adoption of Natural Farming. Consequently, at least 75 farmers were identified in each Gram Panchayat and were motivated and trained to undertake Natural Farming. The farmers were trained in 90 different clusters resulting in training of more than 41,000 farmers across the district.
The conclave is being organised in Surat, Gujarat and will witness participation of thousands of farmers and all other stakeholders who have made adoption of Natural farming in Surat, a success story. The conclave will also be attended by the Governor and Chief Minister Gujarat.
Ministry of Power
SECI releases EOI to set up 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited , a Govt. owned company under MNRE has released an Expression of Interest for setting up of 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems  on 14th October 2021.
Central Electricity Authority /Ministry of Power  has prepared a Report on Optimal Generation Capacity Mix for 2029-30. The Report identifies Pumped Hydro Storage System  and Battery Energy Storage Systems  as the commercially deployed solutions for providing requisite storage capacity. As per the report, a Battery Energy Storage capacity of 27,000 MW/108,000 MWh  is projected to be part of the installed capacity in 2029-30.
The Standard Bidding Guidelines for procurement and utilization of Battery Energy Storage Systems has been finalized.
This information was given by Shri R. K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  officials seized 4 Leopard  Skins in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
An operation was launched by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  after it developed specific intelligence over a period of time that a few gangs in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir  are involved in the illegal wildlife trade and, were searching for prospective buyers for the sale of leopard skins. Accordingly, a detailed plan was made to apprehend the members of the gangs.
Posing as buyers, officer of Mumbai Zonal Unit  reached Srinagar in J&K.
After several rounds of negotiations, the sellers brought the first skin of a leopard to a pre-designated place in Srinagar near Dalgate. Officers on surveillance intercepted a person who was carrying a leopard skin near the designated place. On the basis of his information, another accomplice was also intercepted at a public place in Srinagar.
After securing the first catch, the rounds of intense negotiations were continued with another gang of sellers. After overnight negotiations, the sellers finally agreed to bring 3 leopard skins to a pre-designated location. 3 people carrying the contraband  were intercepted. The leads generated by information gathered from them indicated that 3 more persons connected to the transaction were waiting nearby at a public place. 2 teams of officers were immediately dispatched and they intercepted 3 persons at the public place. Thus, total 8 persons involved in this illegal trading of wild life, including one serving police constable, were intercepted and total 4 skins of Leopard  were recovered. Initial investigation suggested that the leopards were poached from Ladakh, Doda and Uri.
The subject 4 leopard skins were seized under the provision of section 50 of the Wildlife  Act, 1972 as amended.
The seized contraband and the 8 persons who committed the offence under the Wild Life  Act, 1972 were handed over to the officials of Department of Wild Life Protection, Jammu and Kashmir after initial seizure proceedings under the Wild Life  Act, 1972.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in New Delhi today.
Expressing condolence over her demise, Prime Minister said, “A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people.
Sushma Ji was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian. She was admired and revered across party lines. She was uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the BJP, whose growth she immensely contributed to.
An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations. As a Minister we also saw her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.
I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her Ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled.
Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti”.
Former External Affairs Minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj passed away last night in New Delhi.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Hindi Fortnight Celebrations in Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Many competitions are being conducted among the employees, trainees, contract workmen and family members of Cochin Shipyard Limited  during Hindi Fortnight from 14 - 28 September 2021. This Year’s theme is “Azadi Ka Amrith Mahotsav”.
Hindi Quiz Competition was conducted on 14.09.2021 among all the employees of CSL and other Units. A total of 96 employees actively submitted their response for the programme. The main objective of this quiz programme was to spread general awareness about the Official Language and Independent India among the employees.
Around 45 employees actively participated in the Hindi Calligraphy competition on 16.09.2021. The programme was conducted based on the theme with a small brief of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as the passage to be written for Calligraphy competition.
Special Service and Features
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas CBC Dharmapuri Field Office conducts National Unity Run at Nallampalli
On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Central Bureau of Communication Dharmapuri Field Office organized a National Unity Run at Nallampalli block, Dharmapuri. Smt T. Shanthi, District Sports Officer, Dharmapuri flagged off the Unity Run at Government Higher secondary school, Nallampalli. She also administered National Unity Day pledge and Clean India 2.0 pledge to the students.
Sh. K. Aarumugham, Tehsildar, Nallampalli, Sh P. Chinnasamy, Head of Programmes, All India Radio FM Station, Dharmapuri, Sh E.P. Thangavel, Head Master, Government Higher secondary school, Nallampalli and other central, state government officials participated. Sh Bibin S Nath, Field Publicity Officer, Central Bureau of Communication welcomed the guests. Around hundred students from Government Higher secondary school, Nallampalli participated in the two kilometer run. A special cleanliness drive was also conducted at the school premises in connection with the programme.
PIB Headquarters
Additional Director General VsPathania, PTM, TM Coast Guard Commander Eastern Seaboard
Additional Director General VS Pathania, PTM, TM has assumed the command of Coast Guard  on 01 Nov 19. He is also an Alumnus of the US Coast Guard Academy, York Town having attended the search and Rescue and Port Operations Department Course. The flag officer is a qualified helicopter pilot, holds a Master’s Degree in Defence& Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. And is an alumnus of Defence Service Staff College, Wellington and National Defence College, New Delhi.
Additional Director General VS Pathania has held several key appointments afloat and ashore. Prominent among his sea appointments include command of Inshore Patrol Vessel ‘Ranijindan’, Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vigraha’, advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarang’. On promotion to the flag rank, he was appointed as Commander Coast Guard Region  and West. Subsequently he took over as Deputy Director General  at Coast Guard Headquarters.
The officer is also recipient of President’s Tatrakshak Medal for distinguished service and Tatrakshak Medal for Gallantry service. The flag officer was on his maiden visit to Chennai from 26 - 28 Nov 19, according to a press release issued by Defence Wing of PIB Chennai.(
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves revision of the compensation on SESF Operations with Boeing 747-400 aircraft
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to enhance the expenditure for "Special Extra Section Flights"  operations from Rs.336.24 crore plus applicable taxes to Rs.534.38 crore plus applicable taxes for 2016-17 with built-in annual escalation of 10% to compensate the cost of living index and exchange fluctuation for the maintenance of B747-400 aircraft.
In view of the serious financial and liquidity position to the Company, the enhancement would help to ease some of its financial burden.
Background:
Air India  operates SESF with B747-400 aircraft for thePresident,the Vice President and thePrime Minister of India. The costs on account of these flights are reimbursed to Al by the respective Ministries. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs  in its meeting held in October, 2011 had approved an annual expenditure of Rs.336.24 crore plus applicable taxes for meeting the fixed costs relating to the expenditure incurred by Al on B747-400 aircraft.
This fixed cost of maintenance was allocated amongst the three respective Ministries. These costs have been constant since FY 2011-12. Over the past five years there has been a substantial increase in the expenditure incurred by Al on maintenance of these aircraft on account of the increase in the cost of living index, depreciation of the Rupee against the US$ and increase in the material cost. It is therefore necessary to review the estimates / reimbursements provided to Al since the year, 2011-12 as the cost base has not been indexed to inflation. Since, Al is suffering financial losses, the airline cannot afford to provide any services below its cost.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Gadkari Says Ministry has Initiated Steps to Implement Provisions of Motor Vehicles Act 2019
Enhanced Penalties for Rule Violation to Be Operationalized from 1st of September Subject To Law Ministry Clearance
Minister Launches New Website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME launched the new website of his Ministry here today. The new website has a dashboard that gives data about highways construction, land acquisition, FASTags etc. It also gives the state wise, month wise data on registration of vehicles in the country.
MoS, Road Transport & Highways, General  V K Singh,. Secretary Shri Sanjeev Ranjan, NHAI Chairman Shri N.N. Sinha and other senior officials of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Gadkari informed that his Ministry has initiated steps to implement the Motor Vehicles Act 2019. He said 63 clauses which do not require framing of new rules, have been sent to Law Ministry for vetting. Subject to clearance from Law Ministry, these clauses are likely to be implemented from 1st of next month. These clauses deal with penalties, licences, registration, National Transport Policy etc. Regarding the other clauses for which rules have to be framed, the Minister informed that steps for this have already been initiated by the Ministry, and rules will be notified as and when due processes are completed. The Minister expressed happiness that the Motor Vehicles Act 2019 has become a reality, and said this will go a long way in giving the country a safe and corruption free road transport system. He also said the National Transport Policy that will be brought in under the Act, will help to develop an efficient, multi modal transport system in the country.
Shri Gadkari also expressed hope that the MVA 2019 will help curb road accidents and bring down fatalities. He said that the Ministry is spending Rs 12,000 crore towards rectification of 786 accident black spots identified by NHAI. In addition, talks are on with World Bank and ADB for another programme worth Rs 14000 crore for rectification of black spots on national, state, district highways etc.
The Minister also announced that FASTags will become mandatory for all vehicles from December this year. As many as 52.59 lakh FASTags have been issued till date.
FASTags are being issued by 22 certified banks through various channels such as Point-of-Sale at NH toll plazas, selected bank branches, etc. These are also available on e-commerce platform. It is a ‘bank-neutral’ FASTag i.e. no bank is pre-assigned to the FASTag at the time of purchase by customer from a Point-of-Sale or Online and offers the flexibility to customer to link the FASTag with their existing bank account by using My FASTag Mobile app, currently available on Google Play Store.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Government’s initiative to increase the navigability at Haldia port: Sri Mansukh Mandaviya
Kolkata, December 5,2020
Union Minister of State  for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said that government is taking numerous initiatives to empower the Haldia port of West Bengal. He said that besides government organisation, the Port authority is now engaging private players for dredging work between Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port  Kolkata and Haldia port.
The positive impact is now felt after this Public Private Partnership scheme started. Previously the Ministry conducted scientific survey for increasing the navigability of the Hooghly River. Now Dredging Corporation of India is helping to conduct this job. Sri Mandaviya informed that beside solid cargo handling, Haldia port is now preparing to handle liquid cargo also. As a result, the income of the port is now increasing.
After Modi 1.0 government’s effort, now Haldia port is a profitable one. The ministry took initiative so that pensioners get their pension in time. Besides that, when workers retire, the authority created a system, so that they can get their pension in time.
To work more effectively, the Government changed the name of the ministry from “Shipping” to “Ports, Shipping & Waterways”.Construction work of 2 new terminals is going on at Haldia dock. Sri Mandaviya said that when Rs 400 crores Multi Model Terminal’s construction project will be completed, then goods can be ferried till Brahmaputra River. He stressed to bring back the golden days of Haldia port.
Ministry of Defence
Medical checkup camp for underprivileged children of Porbandar
A medical checkup and treatment camp for underprivileged children was held at INS Sardar Patel, Porbandar by the unit team . 75 underprivileged children benefitted from the camp. The social outreach programme was undertaken as a part of the third anniversary celebrations of INS Sardar Patel.
The camp also provided an opportunity for a healthy and positive interaction between the naval personnel and the children & local volunteers of Porbandar. To enhance the awareness amongst the children, seven naval telefilms were concurrently screened while the camp was in progress. Besides the above activities, the children were also taken on a windshield tour of the base and given refreshments during the camp.
(Visitor Counter : 161
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Bureau of Indian Standards signs MoU with IIT Roorkee for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization Chair Professor’
MoU to facilitate research & development, teaching and training in the field of Standardization and Conformity Assessment
Bureau of Indian Standards , has signed Memorandum of Understanding  with IIT Roorkee  on 10th March 2022 for establishment of ‘BIS Standardization Chair Professor’ at IIT Roorkee. This would be the first Standardization Chair established by BIS in an Institute for activities on Standardization and Conformity Assessment.
The MoU would facilitate the research & development, teaching and training in the field of Standardization and Conformity Assessment in the country with focus on the areas of civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, earthquake engineering, development and management of water resources and renewable energy projects, infrastructure development, medical biotechnology and nanotechnology, biotechnology, biomaterials, etc. This will also help in sensitizing students on how standards can encourage and facilitate innovation and will help in grooming students making them better prepared for their future professional challenges.
Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General , BIS, assured commitment towards this initiative and provide all the necessary support.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 114/2020 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby makes the following amendment in the Notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs No.113/2020-CUSTOMS , dated 17th December, 2020 with effect from 31st December, 2020, namely: -
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No. 18 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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10.25
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9.65
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
MoS Jal Shakti Chairs Meeting Of Empowered Task Force For Ensuring Better Coordination & Convergence in Holistic Rejuvenation of Ganga River
Ministry Of Tourism To Develop 3 Ganga Tourist Circuits In Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand & Bihar
Total Area Under Organic Farming And Agro-Forestry Along The Ganga Increases From 23,840 Ha To 1,03,780 Ha
Namami Gange Is Not Only A Program For Cleaning Ganga But To Bring Collective Consciousness Among Masses: Shri Bishweswar Tudu
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri Bishweswar Tudu yesterday chaired a meeting of the Empowered Task Force including several central ministries, departments and the state governments for ensuring better coordination and convergence among agencies and programs for holistic rejuvenation of Ganga River and its basin. The Ministries and States provided an update on the recent developments that have taken place and also mapped out their future plans.
Among Central Ministries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed that total area under organic farming and agro-forestry increased from 23,840 Ha to 1,03,780 Ha. Out of this, land for Organic Farming in Uttarakhand is 50,840 Ha, Uttar Pradesh is 42,180 Ha, Bihar is 16,060 Ha & Jharkhand is 4,540 Ha. along the Ganga. The Ministry of Agriculture is also working to ensure that shifting to organic farming also boosts farmer’s income, improves water use & crop diversification. States are also using Namami Gange brand for organic farm produce along the Ganga.
The Ministry of Tourism informed that the Ganga Museum in Haridwar is now operational while the one in Rishikesh is ready for inauguration and another Museum in Patna has been sanctioned. The Ministry is also working on developing tourists circuits along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Bihar. A Report on architectural, cultural and natural mapping for 38 districts has also been submitted.
Among the States, Bihar has committed to promote production and marketing of organic products under their ‘State Organic Mission’.Uttar Pradesh is working on promoting organic plantation in urban areas& developing Mandis  in Urban residential colonies to encourage people to buy organic products. Uttarakhand has started 20 big and 410 small outlets to promote organic products along Char Dham yatra while Jharkhand government has started ‘Organic farming authority of Jharkhand’ to promote organic farming in the state especially along the Ganga. The State of West Bengal has started a massive plantation drive in the Sunderban area. About 15 crore trees will be planted in 3 districts covering 10,000 acres of land.
Addressing the meeting,MoS Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu said that Namami Gange is not only a program for cleaning Ganga but to bring collective consciousness among masses. Hence, all the Central and State ministries will have to come together under one umbrella to make Ganga Aviral and Nirmal. Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry, Shri Pankaj Kumar, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, DG, NMCG, Shri RozyAggrawal, ED , NMCG, Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, ED , NMCG and Shri D.P. Mathuria, ED  NMCG represented the National Mission for Clean Ganga during the meeting.